Case study: Bromont 2030 A shared vision for sustainability

Development and implementation of a sustainable area development plan

The City of Bromont, a tourist haven, is experiencing a population boom. The municipal council is taking steps to ensure that this growth occurs while respecting the environment, the surrounding countryside and the quality of life in the community.

To reach its goal, the city has adopted a sustainable development plan that sets out a vision for Bromont in 2030. Over the course of 20 public forums, residents actively participated in developing this vision - one that follows The Natural Step's sustainability framework. The five-step plan includes practical initiatives for businesses and residents and serves as a reference guide to spur the community into action.

The municipality will use the plan to identify priorities related to investment and operating costs when drafting its annual budget.

Results

Challenges

• Each municipal department should make sustainable development a priority and provide appropriate training for staff.
• The sustainable development plan will only succeed if all the stakeholders (municipality, business and industry, and residents) are fully invested in it.

Lessons learned

• An project analysis to date shows this is a costly undertaking and progress has been limited. It would be more worthwhile to focus on a long-term goal rather than focussing on what needs to be improved.
• Involving the public is especially important for defining issues and establishing a long-term vision.
• Bring in an expert panel to create a concrete action and avoid the risk of being too general, or not suitably innovative.

• City of Bromont's sustainable development plan (in French)

Partners and Collaborators

• City of Bromont
• The Natural Step Canada
• FCM's Green Municipal Fund